Friday, April 17 • Mansion Mixer: Ladies Behind the Scenes. Step into 1920s Broadway and discover the women whose work shaped American theater. Tours, light snacks, cash bar, and a presentation in the Tahitian Room. RSVP. 6:30 p.m., Brucemore, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Friday, April 17 • Fix It Friday: Textile Repair. An evening devoted to textile repair, fiber crafts, and practical skills, with demonstrations and hands-on learning. 6–8 p.m., Fairfield Public Library. Free.
Friday, April 17 • Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. Frisbee leaps, dancing dogs, and canine comedy. $1 for kids. 7 p.m., Gallgher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls. GBPAC.com.
Friday, April 17 • Jed Hirsch Trio. Jazz legend. 7:30 p.m., Drake Sheslow Auditorium, Des Moines. CivicMusic.org.
Friday, April 17 • Manual Cinema: The 4th Witch. A inversion of Macbeth created and performed through shadow puppetry, actors in silhouette, and live music. 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, April 17 • Fred Hersch Trio. Legendary jazz pianist. 7:30 p.m., Drake Sheslow Auditorium, Des Moines. CivicMusic.org.
Friday, April 17 • The Talbott Brothers. Country and rock with captivating blood harmonies. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids.CSPSHall.org.
Friday, April 17 • Fool House: The Millennium Tour. Party like it’s 1999. 8 p.m., Club 5 at Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Friday, April 17 • Sevendust. A unique blend of heavy grooves, unpredictable riffs, and soulful vocals. 8 p.m., Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside. RiversideCasinoand-Resort.com.
Friday, April 17 • The Goddamn Gallows. From rockabilly, psychobilly, and gutter 7 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Spring Shop About. Explore the byway and enjoy local sales, specials, and treats along the scenic route through Southeast Iowa. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. PathfindersRCD.org.
Saturday, April 18 • Indoor Farmers Market. Winter greens, baked goods, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, April 18 • Spring Cleaning at the Fairfield Community Orchard. Join volunteers for weeding and clearing branches. Bring sunscreen and hand tools. 1-5 p.m. Fairfield Community Orchard, located off the Fairfield Loop Trail in Chautauqua Park, Fairfield. Sponsored by the Southeast Iowa Sierra Club.
Saturday, April 18 • Villages Folk School Classes. Pick from Leather Crafting for Beginners with Stuart Holmes, or Stained Glass: Daisy Stake for Planter with Kolby Freeman. RSVP. Various times and locations, Keosauqua. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Josie Overmyer. Singer-songwriter with an angelic voice and gorgeous lyrics. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, April 18 • Duke Tumatoe. Blues. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Saturday, April 18 • Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra: Eternal Love. Bernstein and Tchaikovsky, feat. vocalists Diana Upton-Hill and Justin Hill in an intimate program of love songs arranged by David Sharp. 7:30 p.m., BVC, Ottumwa. Theottumwasymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Alice Cooper. The original shock rocker. 7 p.m., Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Sunn O))). A synthesis of diverse drone, ur, noise, metal, minimalism/maximalism. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Saturday, April 18 • Hairball. Balls to the wall arena-rock tribute. 7:30 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Lady Franklyn Improv Show. BYOB. Saturdays, 7:30–9 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, 327 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Facebook.com.
Saturday, April 18 • GIT Improv. This award-winning improv team has been creating improv magic for over 30 years. 7:30 p.m., The Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Ave., Moline, IL. BlackBoxTheatre.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Lady Franklyn Improv Show. BYOB. Saturdays, 7:30–9 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, 327 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Facebook.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Brew Fest. Sample brews from Iowa and national outfits. 1 p.m., Memorial Auditorium Arena, Burlington. BurlingtonRiverfront.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Fairfield Contra Dance. Live music, dances taught, no partner necessary. 7 p.m. lesson, 7:30 dance. $7. Third Saturdays. Morning Star Studio Ballroom, Fairfield. Ffadc.blogspot.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Wickedest City Burlesque & Variety Fest. A celebration of fearless performance, radical joy, and rich cultural heritage in the heart of Davenport. Loud, proud, and unrepentant. 8 p.m., Capitol Theatre, Davenport. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Saturday, April 18 • Doodle POP. In this playful, nonverbal show, Woogie & Boogie start to doodle—and end up creating a new imaginative world. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines. DMPA.org
Sat-Sun, April 18–19 • Farm to Film Festival. Celebrating storytelling, creativity, and culture with fresh voices and unforgettable cinematic moments. Various times, Historic State Theatre and downtown Washington. FarmtoFilmFest.org. Free.
Sat-Sun, April 18–19 • DM Symphony: Hope—Copeland & Gershwin. This hopeful celebration of art, culture, and resilience includes Margaret Bonds’s powerful tribute to the Civil Rights Movement. Sat. 7:30 p.m, Sun. 2:30 p.m., Civic Center, Des Moines. DMSymphony.org.
Sunday, April 19 • Walkathon for Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation. Meet adoptable dogs at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase. 1-4 p.m. Shelter 2, Chautauqua Park, Fairfield.
Sunday, April 19 • Billy Nation: Tribute to Billy Joel. 3 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Sunday, April 19 • Alabama. Country icons. With Exile. 7 p.m., Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Sunday, April 19 • Fundamentals of Metalworking. Learn the basics of metalworking: sawing, filing, drilling, riveting, and stamping. No experience needed. 12–4 p.m., Beadology, Iowa City. BeadologyIowa.com.
Sunday, April 19 • Coop: A Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector. Award-winning playwright, author, and former Iowa poet laureate Mary Swander presents her new one-man play, now touring Iowa. 2 p.m. German American Heritage Center, Davenport.
Sunday, April 19 • Iowa Brass Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial. 3:30 p.m. Washington Area Performing Arts & Events Center, 1111 S. Ave. B, Washington.
Sunday, April 19 • Irish Music Session. An informal gathering of local and visiting musicians for a traditional Irish music session. Sundays, 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Sunday, April 19 • Fortune Feimster: Taking Care of Biscuits Tour. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.com.
Sunday, April 19 • Runaway Twain and Friends. Long-form improv. 7:30 p.m., The Playhouse, Des Moines. DMPlayhouse.com.
Tuesday, April 21 • Coop: A Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector. Award-winning playwright, author, and former Iowa poet laureate Mary Swander presents her new one-man play, now touring Iowa. Noon, Muscatine Community College, Muscatine.
Tuesday, April 21 • Circa Duck Pond. Australian company reimagines Swan Lake as a hilarious and engaging circus performance. 7 p.m., Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls. GBPAC.com.
Tuesday, April 21 • Soulja Boy. American pop-rap artist and record producer. 7 p.m., Wildwood, Iowa City. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Wednesday, April 22 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Wednesday, April 22 • Diving the Great Barrier Reef. This National Geographic Live presentation features marine biologist Erika Woolsey. 6:30 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Wednesday, April 22 • Fran Lebowitz. This writer and social commentator is forthright, irascible, and unapologetically opinionated. Presented by University of Iowa Lecture Committee. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, April 22 • The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight. This orchestra breathes beautifully dark energy into your favorite songs. 8 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Thursday, April 23 • The Wailers. Celebrating 50 years of Rastaman Vibration, marking a defining moment in reggae history and honoring one of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ most influential albums. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Thursday, April 23 • Jennifer Chiaverini. NYT bestselling author discusses her latest: The Patchwork Players, an Elm Creek Quilts novel. 6 p.m., Swamp Fox Bookstore, Marion. SwampFoxBookstore.com.
Thursday, April 23 • Poetry Reading. Celebrate National Poetry Month with featured poets Bill Graeser, Nynke Passi, Rustin Larson, Craig Deininger, and Doug Birx, and an open mic. Come early to visit the gallery. 8 p.m., Ross Theater, Wege Center for the Arts, MIU, Fairfield.
Thursday, April 23 • Gardening 101: Getting Started this Season. Join Tamara Marcus from Empowered Solutions Collective for a hands-on workshop providing low-barrier skills to help you start growing immediately. Arrive early to tour the exhibit Rooted: Labor, Land, and Legacy. RSVP. 6–7:30 p.m., AAMI, Cedar Rapids. BlackIowa.org.
Thurs-Fri-Sat, April 23–25 • A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty Navarro sets out to speed up the line of succession. Various times, St. John Auditorium, IHCC, Ottumwa. jennifer.boyenga@indianhills.edu
Friday, April 24 • Paula Poundstone. Her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit have become the stuff of legend. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, April 24 • Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour. This family man is one of today’s leading clean comedians. 8 p.m., Casey’s Center, Des Moines. IowaEventsCenter.com.
Friday, April 24 • Footliters Education Showcase. More than 100 students, ages 7–18, showcase their accomplishments in acting, music, dance, and improv. 7 p.m., CCPA, Coralville. CoralvilleArts.com.
Friday, April 24 • Sieda Sneaker Soirée. Annual banquet fundraiser for Seida Community Action, with music, auctions, speakers, and a “best sneaker” contest. 6 p.m., BVC, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Friday, April 24 • Downtown Ottumwa: Ladies Night Out. Local shopping, prize drawings, and giveaways. 2:30–8 p.m., Downtown Ottumwa, 334 E. Main St., Ottumwa. (641) 814-5225.
Friday, April 24 • John Gorka. World-renowned singer-songwriter. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Friday, April 24 • The Gabriel Espinosa Band feat. Pianist Misha Tsiganov. National act. 7 p.m., Noce Jazz & Cabaret, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Friday, April 24 • Duke Tumatoe. Blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Friday, April 24 • The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight. A collective of classical musicians breathes beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal tracks. 8 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Friday, April 24 • Bark Attacks. An eclectic songbook of covers and originals by the Grateful Dead, Phish, the Beatles, Wilco, Bob Dylan, and more. 8–11 p.m., VUE Rooftop, Hilton Garden Inn, 328 S. Clinton St., Iowa City. No cover.
Fri-Sat, April 24–25 • The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Disney musical, presented by U of I School of Music in an operatic theatrical style. 7:30 p.m., Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Fri-Sat, April 24–25 • UI Youth Ballet & Community Dance School: The Wizard of Oz. Various times, Space Place Theater, 20 Davenport St., Iowa City. Youth.dance.uiowa.edu.
Fri-Sat, April 24–25 • Who Even Told You That? U of I student-led sketch comedy troupe. 7 p.m., Iowa Conservatory, 123 N. Linn St., Iowa City. TheJamesIC.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Indoor Farmers Market. Winter greens, baked goods, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, April 25 • Coop: A Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector. Award-winning playwright, author, and former Iowa poet laureate Mary Swander presents her new one-man play, now touring Iowa. 7:30 p.m., FACC, Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com. Also on April 19 in Davenport and April 21 in Muscatine.
Saturday, April 25 • So You Think You Can Belly Dance. Belly dance competition, with a dance show by Belly Diva Samantha, Belly Divas, and more. 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, Davenport. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Living History Farms Folk Art Fair. 30+ artisans will demonstrate heritage arts and sell their handmade items. (Left: textile from a presentation by Laurann Gilbertson, “Sacred Symbols: The Folk Art of Norway.”) 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Living History Farms, Urbandale. LHF.org.
Saturday, April 25 • Divas Who Dish. Sample culinary creations at this Ottumwa Symphony fundraiser, with live and silent auction, wine pull, and fun games. 6–8:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 123 3rd St. W, Ottumwa. OttumwaSymphonyOrchestra.org.
Saturday, April 25 • Mission Creek & Brink: Day Party. A one-day party rooted in food, literature, multidisciplinary art, and music. 12–8 p.m., Iowa City’s Southside. MissionCreekFestival.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Ron White. Renowned comedian affectionately known as “Tater Salad.” 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Rhythm City Casino, Davenport. RhythmCityCasino.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Zach Rushing: Redneck Logic Tour. 7:30 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. Bridge-ViewCenter.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Lady Franklyn Improv Show. BYOB. Saturdays, 7:30–9 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, 327 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Facebook.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Dana Perry. Award-shrouded singer-songwriter. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, April 25 • The Lubben Brothers. Classically trained musicians turned folk. Made in the Midwest series. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Saturday, April 25 • The Grand Marquis. American roots, blues, and Prohibition-era jazz. National act. 7 p.m., Noce Jazz, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Saturday, April 25 • Frontal Assault: 10-Year Anniversary Show. Thrash metal band from Cedar Rapids. 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Saturday, April 25 • America: The Happy Trails Tour. A perennial classic-rock favorite formed in 1970. 7 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Saturday, April 25 • Southern Rail. Country classics, Southern rock. 7:30 p.m., Ottumwa Eagles, 109 S. Green St. (641) 682-3957.
Sat-Sun, April 25–2 • Blacksmithing: Beginning. Two-day class with Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Blacksmith Academy on Walnut St., Bentonsport. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Sat-Sun, April 25–26 • SEISO: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Smetana’s national masterpiece, Reed’s Mexican folk symphony, and Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto performed by Katya Moeller. Sat. 7 p.m., The Capitol, Burlington; Sun. 2 p.m., BVC, Ottumwa; Sun. 6:30 p.m., Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant. Seiso.us.
Sunday, April 26 • Irish Music Session. An informal gathering of local and visiting musicians for a traditional Irish music session. Sundays, 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Monday, April 27 • Iowa City Poetry Slam. Poets compete for audience adoration and prizes in a three-round elimination. To enter, bring three of your best poems. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., slam starts at 7. Last Mondays, Midnight Coffee, 301 E. Market St., Iowa City. Facebook.com/ICPoetrySlam.
Tuesday, April 28 • Iowa City Death Cafe. An informal, communal occasion to eat cake and create open communication about end of life. 7–8:30 p.m., Green House, Iowa City. DeathCollectiveEasternIowa.com.
Wednesday, April 29 • Mama’s Broke. A hypnotic tapestry of old-time, Quebecois, blues, punk, Celtic, Balkan, and doom metal. On-stage seats. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, April 29 • Ancient Sound Bath. 7:30 p.m., Golden Magnolia, 200 S. Main St., Fairfield. By donation.
Wednesday, April 29 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Thursday, April 30 • Comedy Night. A monthly showcase of comics presented by Lucky Cat. 7 p.m., The Ideal Theater & Bar, Cedar Rapids. IdealTheaterandBar.com.
Thursday, April 30 • ICPL Fiber Arts Hangout. Bring your current work in progress on the last Thursday of each month for conversation and group crafting. 6–8 p.m., Iowa City Public Library. ICPL.org.
Thursday, April 30 • Experimenting with Blackout Poetry. Wrap up National Poetry Month with an exploration of erasure poetry, creating a new poem from an existing page of text. 6:30–7:30 p.m., Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids. CRLibrary.org.
Thursday, April 30 • Portrait Class: Live Model Open Studio. Come draw regularly or once in a while, and learn from other artists. Thursdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Fairfield Art Association Studio, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldArtAssociation.org.
Thursday, April 30 • Growing Your Garden: From Beds to Household Food Production. Join Tamara Marcus for a hands-on workshop and learn how to scale up for longer seasons and household-level food supply beyond the summer. Arrive early to tour the current exhibit Rooted: Labor, Land, and Legacy. 6–7:30 p.m., African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. BlackIowa.org.
Friday, May 1 • Garrison Keillor Tonight. An evening of standup, storytelling, audience song, and poetry. 7:30 p.m. Fairfield Art Association Studio, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Friday, May 1 • Fairfield 1st Fridays: Gallery Hop. Art shows and pop-up exhibitions downtown, with participating shops open late. Punch your passport for a chance to win some art. 6–9 p.m., Fairfield. FairfieldFirstFridays.org.
Friday, May 1 • Carol Montag. Award-winning Iowa singer-songwriter. 7:30 p.m., The James Theater, Iowa City. TheJamesIC.com.
Friday, May 1 • The Riverdogs. Blues. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. By donation.
Fri-Sat, May 1–2 • Beyond Fashion Festival. A high-energy celebration of style, culture, and creative expression. Hosted downtown with an expanded runway show at Wright House. Various times and locations, Iowa City. ICBeyondFest.com.
Fri-Mon April 17-20 • “Project Hail Mary” at Cinema Fairfield. A science teacher wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. 7 p.m. & 3 p.m. Sunday. Cinema Fairfield, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com
Fri-Sat-Sun, May 1–3 • Beetlejuice: The Musical. Based on Tim Burton’s film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Broadway Series. Various times, Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Saturday, May 2 • Spring Plant & Art Sale. Wildflowers, hostas, vegetable starters, gardening tools, geraniums, perennials, native prairie plants, garden art, home decor, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and more. 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Saturday, May 2 • Iowa City Farmers Market. Open-air market with fresh, homegrown produce, baked goods, handicrafts, plants, and flowers. Enjoy live music and activities in the park each week. 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, Iowa City. ICGov.org/farmersmarket.
Saturday, May 2 • Fairfield Farmers Market. The outdoor market season begins! 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Howard Park, Fairfield.
Saturday, May 2 • New Puppeteers Festival. Eulenspiegel hosts a showcase of new plays by new puppeteers of all ages. Various times, West Liberty Community Center, 1204 N. Calhoun, West Liberty. Owlglass.org.
Saturday, May 2 • Fairfield Farmers Market. Opening day of the outdoor market! Find fresh produce, flowers and plants, crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Howard Park at Briggs Ave., Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, May 2 • Iowa City Poetry Alfresco 2026. Open-air progressive readings at various private residences, businesses, and parks in the Northside neighborhood, Iowa City. Check for updates at IowaCityPoetry.com.
Saturday, May 2 • Orchestra Iowa Pops IV: The Best of Broadway. 7:30 p.m., Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, May 2 • Dakota Andersen. Jazz singer album release show. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Sat-Sun, May 2–3 • Chalk the Walk 2026. Iowa’s first and largest Madonnari festival featuring chalk art and a community re-creation of John Bramblitt’s Lady Liberty. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street. VisitMVL.com.
Sat-Sun, May 2–3 • Maifest in Amana. German food and music, dancing, Saturday morning parade, Wine & Food Walk, Amana Colonies Maipole Dancers, and much more. Various times, Festhalle Barn, Amana. AmanaColonies.com.
Sunday, May 3 • Raku Pottery Experience with April Ziegler. Learn the basics of low-fired glazes, application, and firing on bisque pottery forms. 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Blacksmith Academy on Walnut St., Bentons-port. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Sunday, May 3 • Iron & Wine. Cinematic indie-folk artist Sam Beam tours his brand-new album, Hen’s Teeth, a sister album to 2024’s Light Verse. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.